I bought a 2012 at the beginning of December for a fantastic price for the short time Nissan was discounting them 10k off list. I was thrilled to finally own an EV and loved driving electric though as a vehicle I found it wanting in a number of areas. Nearly all those issues were addressed in the 2013 revision so I traded in the 2012 for a 2 year lease on a much better 2013. Comparing the 2 and 3 year residuals, I think a substantially updated LEAF will be available in 2015 so I look forward to possibly purchasing one then if it has a battery TMS. It's good as a second car right now but in two years I hope we are down to one, 200 mile range electric vehicle from either Tesla or Nissan.

I live in CA and it seems like after the rebates the Leaf S comes to 18800 (thinking I can get the dealer down to 17000 after the rebates?)

Given this, why would people leasing the S? Seems like the current best deal people are getting for a lease is 5200 over two years and 30k max.

Do people see the benefits of a lease being no repair cost the first two years, and the opportunity to buy a much better leaf in a few years? Otherwise it seems like the 5200 cost is about 1/3rd of what I can just buy and keep the car with.

I live in CA and it seems like after the rebates the Leaf S comes to 18800 (thinking I can get the dealer down to 17000 after the rebates?)

Given this, why would people leasing the S? Seems like the current best deal people are getting for a lease is 5200 over two years and 30k max.

Do people see the benefits of a lease being no repair cost the first two years, and the opportunity to buy a much better leaf in a few years? Otherwise it seems like the 5200 cost is about 1/3rd of what I can just buy and keep the car with.

The feared battery degradation issue is the biggest reason to lease and not own a Leaf. The new Nissan battery capacity warranty doesn't kick in until capacity falls below the 9th capacity bar, and only until 5 years/60k miles, after which you are on your own.

Another reason is just like you said, something better is likely in a few years. Already, cars with longer ranges and/or faster charging times have been introduced since the Leaf was.

A third reason is that for those whose tax liability is expected to be less than $7500 for the year the Leaf is obtained, leasing through NMAC is the only way to get the full credit. Even for those who expect to pay that much in income tax, you get the full credit immediately.

I LEASED a 2013 ,after selling my 2011 that was down in range and battery capacity from the Phoenix area heat. It lost about 10% A YEAR. Not bad but it would be a problem the longer we owned it.

I recommend only LEASING any new EV. They are getting better and dropping in price so owning would be a problem. Even a world leading Tesla gets better by 8% or more a year and has many new models coming out. I'm waiting for the 2015 model C and with a lease I can switch with no problem.

2013 SV, average 6 miles/kWh ! about the same as my 2011 did for 23K miles and no problems.

Just leased my first Leaf. I get the supplier discount (VPP) and paid $167 for a 24 month lease with $999 at signing for an S. I was looking for an inexpensive second car that is good on gas so the Leaf if great. I have my main car for long trips, etc.

I've had a couple of Ford hybrids (Escape and Fusion) and am overall pretty happy with the Leaf so far. You can't beat the price. Plus a L2 charging station is installed at my house free through DTE. A second meter and discounted rate for 11pm-8am charging.